What to Get From Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 12/29/23 •  13 min read

Here’s a Youtube Video about What to Get from Puerto Rico


If you’re wondering what to get from Puerto Rico, the tropical paradise is teeming with rich local crafts and souvenirs that reflect its vibrant culture.

From the heart of its old towns to modern city centers, you’ll discover a delightful variety of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine including mouthwatering snacks and flavor-packed hot sauces.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the creativity of local art pieces and finely crafted jewelry, while music lovers can embrace thematic gifts and locally made music instruments.

Don’t forget to indulge in traditional dishes loved by locals for a full cultural experience in rediscovering Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage.

Finally, navigate your journey with ease amidst the picturesque routes using efficient public minibuses – an underrated gem offering valuable insight into everyday Puerto Rican life.

what to get from puerto rico
Courtesy of @discoverpuertorico
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Exploring the Richness of Puerto Rican Crafts and Souvenirs

Puerto Rico, a tropical island paradise full of culture and history, offers a plethora of unique items for both locals and visitors to peruse.

You see, one thing you’ll quickly notice is how rich the craft scene is, offering everything from traditional spices to high-quality cigars made in Puerto Rico, Don Q Rum, and distinctive ceramics that are ready to captivate your senses.

Puerto Rican crafts are particularly noteworthy. Items such as the Pilón (a traditional wooden mortar and pestle perfect for preparing mofongo), Mundillo (beautifully crafted bobbin lace), handmade hammocks that echo the relaxed island life, not to mention colorful Vejigantes – traditional carnival masks that burst with vibrant hues – are just a few examples. All things considered, these Puerto Rico souvenirs make excellent gifts or keepsakes.

Delighting in Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine: Snacks and Hot Sauces

Now that I think about it, if you have an affinity for culinary delights, you’re in luck! On top of diverse craft items, food presents another opportunity for shopping in Puerto Rico.

Empanadillas de carne (beef & cheese turnovers), cakes, sorullos (cornmeal fritters), arepas (cornmeal patties), tacos, alcapurrias – these local snacks will satisfy even the most demanding gourmands.

And we mustn’t forget about pique hot sauce – an authentic element of Puerto Rican cuisine . Bring it home as a culinary souvenir or gift! Chances are it will heat up your meals just like it does on this beautiful Caribbean island!

Appreciating the Creativity of Local Art and Jewelry

When it comes to Puerto Rico crafts, the local art scene cannot be overlooked.

Expressive butterfly art, unique jewelry pieces inspired by the coquí tree frog or crafted from coconut and aluminum, all represent authentic Puerto Rican products that are sure to impress.

You can explore these artisan products from Puerto Rico in gift & specialty shops like 7ven Seas Jewelry, Tulip Art, Ole Puerto Rico Cafe. Trust me; you’ll be hard-pressed to find more unique items in Puerto Rico.

Embracing Puerto Rican Thematic Gifts and Music Instruments

By the way, Puerto Rican gifts aren’t limited to food and art only.

A beach towel with traditional themes or symbols printed on it is another popular souvenir choice.

Or perhaps baseball caps, key chains, or stickers are more up your alley? For music lovers, there’s nothing better than instruments such as pandereta or güiro – they encapsulate the vibrant music scene of this island nation incredibly well!

Rediscovering Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes Loved by Locals

In any case, you can’t discuss what to get from Puerto Rico without mentioning its renowned cuisine.

Mofongo (a garlic-flavored plantain dish), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), tostones (fried plantain slices), along with Malta(a non-alcoholic beverage) are all dishes often missed by those who’ve left this beautiful island.

Other traditional Puerto Rican food specialties , including Arroz y habicuelas(rice & beans), Pasteles(similar to tamale), Ensalada de Pulpo(octopus salad) among others are also worth sampling during your visit.

Planning Efficient Travel Routes with Public Minibuses in Puerto Rico

Traveling around Puerto Rico is relatively easy.

Public minibuses, known as públicos, run prescribed routes during daylight hours, connecting major places of interest. It’s an efficient transportation option to enjoy everything Puerto Rico has to offer.

Remember though, there are restrictions when it comes to bringing certain agricultural items back home from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States – so stay informed!

To conclude, there’s undeniable richness in what you can get from Puerto Rico. Whether it’s arts and crafts, food and drinks, or simply capturing the local vibe through thematic gifts or music instruments – this island is a treasure trove!

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what to get from puerto rico


Deciding on what to get from Puerto Rico can be quite the fun and adventurous task. Let’s consider the local beverages. One of the best things you could buy is rum, which is a central part of Puerto Rican culture. Our post on what rum to buy in Puerto Rico will guide you through choosing the right bottle for your taste, whether that’s a dark and complex aged variety or a lighter, smooth white blend.

Puerto Rico is not only famous for its rum but also for its shopping experiences. So while deciding what to get, consider checking out our page what to shop for in Puerto Rico. From artisan crafts and local food products to high-end fashion and jewelry, there’s something for everyone.

Another aspect worth exploring while figuring out what items to acquire from this colorful Caribbean island relates to its rich musical heritage. For music lovers who wish to immerse themselves in authentic reggaeton or salsa tunes, we recommend visiting our page on top 10 Puerto Rican music.

Finally yet importantly, when planning your trip or deciding what treasures you want to bring home as souvenirs from Puerto Rico, it might be helpful to visit our post about the best way to book a trip to Puerto Rico. It shares tips about when it’s most affordable to fly in, how to find budget-friendly accommodations, and how to plan your itinerary for the best

My Personal Take about What to Get from Puerto Rico

Hey, amigo!

My name is Steve, and I spend my days charming the mysteries of Puerto Rico out of every winding street and vibrant market space – a whirlwind journey to answer that enticing question: “what to get from Puerto Rico“.

In any case, buried in this alluring land are countless delights waiting to be discovered by any avid traveler looking for unique experiences or memorable souvenirs.

Unique finds like handcrafted jewelry from glistening semi-precious stones, enriching salsa music CDs straight out of La Factoría club, or mouth-watering Pastelillos de Guayaba candies ingrained with the island’s spirit – this, my friend, is only a tiny bit of what you can bring back.

Words of advice?

Immerse yourself fully. Get on that plane. Trek through emerald forests. Savor tantalizing local cuisines and lose yourself in captivating dance rhythms at nightfall; these are irreplaceable memories you’ll own!

You see, What to Get From Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers – offers more than mere tokenistic touristic tokens; it presents an invitation into an unforgettable cultural odyssey where every moment imprints itself onto your soul promising sweet nostalgia whenever your heart whispers the name: Puerto Rico.

So pack your bags friends… Your awe-inspiring journey awaits!

 
 
 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions about What to Get from Puerto Rico

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Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of unique products and souvenirs.

When it comes to finding the perfect souvenir from Puerto Rico, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From crafts and fashion items to delicious food products, there’s something for everyone. Traditional spices, locally made cigars, and distinctive ceramics are just a few of the best souvenirs to consider. If you’re looking for something truly authentic, don’t miss out on Pilón (a traditional wooden mortar and pestle), Mundillo (bobbin lace), handmade hammocks, or colorful Vejigantes (traditional carnival masks). These items will not only remind you of your time in Puerto Rico but also make great conversation starters when displayed at home.

Takeaway 2: Indulge in the mouthwatering snacks and culinary delights of Puerto Rico.

For all the food lovers out there, Puerto Rico has some delectable treats waiting for you. Whether it’s beef & cheese turnovers (empanadillas de carne), sorullos (cornmeal fritters), or alcapurrias, your taste buds will be in heaven. And let’s not forget about Pique hot sauce, which adds that extra kick to any dish. To truly experience the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine, make sure to try traditional dishes like mofongo (a garlic-flavored plantain dish) and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas). And don’t leave without sipping on Malta – a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that locals love.

Takeaway 3: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with local art pieces and unique gifts.

One of the best ways to cherish your memories from Puerto Rico is by bringing home a piece of its culture. Explore local art pieces like butterfly art or jewelry inspired by the coquí tree frog. You can even find jewelry crafted from coconut or aluminum, perfect for adding a touch of Puerto Rican flair to your everyday style. Other great gift options include beach towels with Puerto Rican themes, baseball caps, stickers, key chains, and domino sets. And if you’re a music enthusiast, don’t forget to pick up traditional instruments like pandereta or güiro to remind you of the vibrant music scene in Puerto Rico. So, whether it’s souvenirs that represent the rich heritage of Puerto Rico or mouth

To learn more about Puerto Rico as a travel destination, check out this informative guide on why Puerto Rico is nice to visit.

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.